T.O. practices with Cowboys for first time since Aug. 2
Associated Press
OXNARD, Calif. --
Terrell Owens finally got back on the field Wednesday with the
Dallas Cowboys after missing 14 straight practices because of a hamstring problem.
[SIZE=-2]Owens[/SIZE]
As has been customary throughout camp, Owens was the last player on the field for the only practice of the day. Except this time, the receiver was wearing pads and joined the rest of the team. He did go to the stationary bicycle on the sideline, where he's spent the last two weeks, but this time just for a quick warmup.
It was his first practice since Aug. 2.
With his return to practice, the stage could be set for Owens to play his first game for the Cowboys in their next exhibition game. That is a nationally televised game -- and a chance for Owens to be in the spotlight -- Monday night against the
New Orleans Saints.
During his daily briefing with reporters earlier Wednesday, Bill Parcells said he didn't know when Owens would practice. But the coach wouldn't say if Owens would play against the Saints even if he returned to the field.
"That doesn't mean he would play," Parcells said. "He has missed a lot of time. It wouldn't be so much whether he practiced or not, as to how he looked, how much he practiced and did he get enough practice to make a good judgment about playing him."
Based on how Owens was running around the previous two days, he should be OK.
While the Cowboys went through two practices Tuesday, Owens did rehabilitation work. He rode the stationary bike before doing stretching and running exercises. He ran routes, making hard cuts without any apparent discomfort, and did some 100-yard sprints at full speed.
Owens didn't talk to reporters after either session Tuesday, but indicated Monday after a similar workout that it was "definitely an improvement from last week. ... It's all encouraging signs." He missed the preseason opener at Seattle last weekend.
Owens first felt a twinge in his hamstring Aug. 2, but an MRI taken three days later was clear. Owens flew in several doctors and trainers, plus a hyperbaric chamber, because he still didn't feel right.
Parcells reiterated Wednesday that Owens needed to get back on the field, but said perceptions that he was angry at the receiver were wrong.
"Can you get a little frustrated from time to time? Yeah," Parcells said. "But that's all. We'll see. Things will work out. ... I don't want to jeopardize the early part of the season by making a mistake here. I really don't."
